The interim report of the Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), entrusted with the task of preparing a Regional Environment Management Plan (REMP) for Sambalpur-Jharsuguda region, has suggested various measures to minimise further impact on ground level concentrations of major pollutants like sulphur dioxide and Suspended Particulate Matters (SPM) in the area.
The measures suggested include increasing stack height of sponge iron plants from 30 metres to 80 metres, de-sulpherisation of coal used by the industrial units and scrubbing of SO2 (sulphur dioxide) from smelters, furnace and DRI furnace.
Similarly, adoption of right sized bag filters and Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) with higher efficiency, use of clean fuel by the thermal power plants and aluminium smelters, reduction of kiln accretion and implementation of the recommendations of IIT Kharagpur for sponge iron plants have been emphasized in the report.
The report said, the treatment and re-cycle plants must be operated strictly as per the undertakings given in the consent to establish. The units would have to ensure that the environmental quality doesn’t deteriorate due to the proposed expansion.
Simultaneously, the industry should also monitor effluent discharge and ground water in the vicinity of the plant to ensure maintenance of existing quality of ground water.
Besides creating adequate green belt around their projects, the industries should focus on proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. Washed coal should be utilised to minimise solid waste generation and appropriate measures must be taken for disposal of flyash.
Since the major factor contributing to fugitive pollution is the dumping yards within the plant premises, an appropriate management plan should be put in place for its control and equipments should be placed to monitor the pollution level.
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Along with this, an institutional mechanism should be devised to monitor performance of Environment Management Plan (EMP) on a quarterly basis.
Sources said, there are twenty seven industries comprising of aluminium smelters, thermal power plants, integrated steel and sponge iron units and coal mines in Jharsuguda-Sambalpur region. Besides, twenty two investment proposals including the expansion proposals are in the pipeline.
In water management, it was observed that the industries were lacking conservation plans. Even some units don’t have resource generation through rain water harvesting and the conditions stipulated by the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) for water discharge haven’t been followed.
It may be noted, following the decision of the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), NEERI was entrusted to prepare a Regional Environment Management Plan (REMP) based on the carrying capacity study of an area falling within 35 km radius of Rengali in Sambalpur district.
NEERI has already submitted its interim report and the OSPCB has sought the approval of the government to implement the provisions of the recommendations, sources added.